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The ARNO XI is powered by a 4.5-liter, 12-cylinder Ferrari engine. Photo by RM Auctions

Record-setting Ferrari hydroplane heads for RM's Monaco auction

February 16, 2012

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A record-setting Ferrari-powered 1953 hydroplane, ARNO XI, will cross the block in May at the RM Auctions event in Monaco.

The hydroplane set the speed record for a boat of its size on Lake Iseo in northern Italy, running up to 150.19 mph.

Designed and built by Achille Castoldi—a friend of Ferrari Grand Prix drivers Alberto Ascari and Luigi Villoresi—convinced Enzo Ferrari to provide knowledge and technical assistance to help develop the world-record-holding boat.

The ARNO XI is powered by a 4.5-liter, 12-cylinder Ferrari engine, the same type of engine used in the Type 375 Grand Prix car. That captured the Scuderia's first world championship in 1951. Augmented by twin superchargers, the ARNO XI made 502 hp.

The boat made its rounds racing years after, setting many fastest-lap records and winning a European championship in 1960.